Curtain stretcher



Feb. 25, 1936, s HAUSBACH Z,@32,0

CURTAIN STRETCHER Filed March 8, 1954 2 ShEQ LS 'ShGGi l R \Q Q INVENTOR g? BY ATTORNEY S. HAUSBACH Feb 25, 1936.

CURTAIN ST ETCHER Filed March 8, 1954 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR Patented Feb. 25, 1936 UNITED STATES FATENT OFFICE CURTAIN STRETCHEB.

Application March 8, 1934, Serial No. 714,593

7 Claims.

This invention relates to an improved curtain frame which is used for holding curtains in shape while they dry. The frame can be used in households but is primarily constructed for use in ourtain cleaning establishments.

The object of the invention is to provide a frame which is easily adjustable and is adapted for so-called straight curtains, that is, curtains of rectangular shape and also for so-called bell curtains or any curtains having one or both edges inclined or oblique relative to the top and bottom edges.

The frame is preferably constructed to hold curtains on both sides and is usually of a size to hold two pairs of curtains at the same time.

The invention also resides in certain details of construction which will be hereinafter more fully described and also embodied in the claims.

The invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which Figure l is a face view of a frame embodying my invention. Figure 2 is a cross section of the top part of the frame. Figure 3 is an enlarged detail section of the adjusting means at the end of a bar. Figure 4 is a top view of the end of a bar with the frame in section. Figure 5 is a View similar to Figure 3 with the bar extended in passing over a tooth in the frame. Figure 6 is a detail side view of one end of one of the movable bars of the frame, showing a modification.

The frames are used for the stretching and drying of curtains whether of lace or similar material and are particularly adapted for use in cleaning establishments where a number of frames are employed. The frames are usually equipped with fine wire bristles or similar devices for holding the edges of the curtains. The curtains are simply pressed firmly over the bristles. Both sides of the frame may be so constructed to allow the simultaneous drying of curtains on both of said sides.

The device comprises a suitable frame formed with the top bar I0, the uprights I I and I 2 at the two ends and the bottom bar I3. The two end uprights are each provided with a central longitudinal slot I4. This is usually provided by forming the upright of two separate beams spaced apart. On each of said beams are the teeth I5, the teeth facing upwardly, thus having an inclined face at the bottom of each tooth.

Cross-bars I6, to the required number, usually three, are movable vertically between the uprights and are provided with end extensions I I that project through the slots I4. At the sides of the extensions are rollers I8 mounted on shafts I9 secured laterally in the extension H. The ex-- tensions are slidable in the cross-bars and are yieldingly held in place by springs 20. The springs may extend entirely through the cross-- bars with their ends connected to the extensions at the opposite ends of the bars as in Figure 1 or they may be shorter springs fastened at one end to a stop 2| as shown in Figure 6.

The extensions are provided with means for holding them in adjusted position when necessary. The form shown comprises a thumb-screw 22 screwed into the extension and slidable in a slot 23 in the top wall of the cross-bar I6. On each marginal part of the frame and preferably on both sides thereof and also on the cross-bars are fastening means for a curtain. These are preferably bristles 24 of fine wire relatively stiff and usually of brass or similar metal. They are shown as fastened to leather or like backing 25 secured to the channelled strips 25 on the sides of the bars.

For using the frame for shorter curtains and for curtains of various lengths the movable upright bar 27 may be added. The upright bar 2'! is provided with bristles, 24, as are the others and is movable on the frame. I show the bar 2'! consisting of two parallel members 28 between which the cross-bars can slide. The members 28 are suspended by a bracket 29 on a carriage 30 which has wheels 3| running on tracks 32 in the top bar ID. The bars are preferably made of tubing for strength and lightness.

The device is used as follows:

A wet or damp curtain or the like is placed on the bristles of the convenient and proper vertical bars and on two adjacent cross-bars. The crossbars are then moved along the uprights until the proper tension is placed on the curtains and they are allowed to dry. In the case of rectangular or straight curtains the cross-bars are parallel. If the curtains are tapered or are bell curtains the cross-bars are adjusted to the proper angle. When one end of a bar is to be lowered the proper thumb-screw 22 is loosened and acts as a handle for projecting the extension I! to which it is secured. The projection is pushed out, the rollers I8 placed under the desired tooth I5 and the handle 22 is released and the spring snaps the roller into place. If the tension on the fabric under drying is too strong the thumb-screw is screwed down and the extension is fastened against outward movement.

The movable upright bar 21 is of course moved to proper position for various lengths of curtains,

less than the length of the frame. In the latter curing the ends. of the curtain.

Varieus changes can be made in the proportion and form of the parts without departing from the scope of my invention.

I claim:

1. A curtain holder comprising two fixed par= allel rails for holding the opposite ends of 2. ourtain, rails extending from aforesaid rails for holdingthe opposite sides of the curtain, and means for securing the last mentioned rails in oblique position relative to said first mentioned rails;

2. A curtain holder comprising fixed parallel end rails, adjustable rails extending between said end rails, and means for holding said adjustable rails in positions that are oblique relative to said end rails, said adjustable rails being extensible for such inclined adjustment.

3. Acurtain drying device comprising a frame having a top bar andend uprights, upwardly directediteeth'on the end uprights, a cro'ss-bar'haw in'gfrollers' for supporting it on the teeth, the crossehar. including a spring-actuated extension means and means for holding the extension mean mpiace.

"4. A eurtain drying device comprisinga frame having a top bar and end uprights; upwardly directed teeth on the end uprights, the uprights haying a vertical slot, a cross-bar with'extensicns at'i ends and extending through the sloth-e yond-th'e teeth and rollers on the extensions and engaging the teeth.

5. A curtain drying device comprising aframe having a top bar and end uprights, upwardly di rected teeth on the end uprights, the uprights having a vertical slot, a cross-bar with extensions at its ends and extending through the slot be- 5 yond the teeth, rollers on the extensions and engaging the teeth and means for holding the extensions against movement.

6. A curtain drying device comprising a frame having a top bar and enduprigh t's; upwardly di- 10 re'cte d teeth on the end uprightspthe uprights having a vertical slot, a cross-bar with .exten-' sees at its ends and extending through the slot beyond the teeth, rollers on the extensions and engaging" the teeth, a thumb-screw on the exten- 15 sion and bearing on the" bar whereby it can function as'a handle an'd a holding means for the extension.

7. AI curtain drying device comprising a frame' having a top bar and end uprights, upwardly di- 20' rectedte on h end r h s; acro sr rhellng ile r s bvert ng it on h e he -b men n m ne-ac u te m er e tt n a m ted ex length of the cross-bar, andfrn ns for hjogthe extension means against ernent', here the ex ens n meensensij e lers e e Prev om mQY Q W QlYQ idSQ 99151 8 1 against he upri h s ive e en ire t SAMUEL nspsngicn. 

